Paedophile Alexander Finnigan jailed for 21 years

Alexander Finnigan, who subjected two girls to sickening sex attacks, could be heard coughing, as if struggling to breathe, as vile details of his crimes were read out at Durham Crown Court.

Judge Christopher Prince asked if he would like a break and, during a short adjournment, a nurse was called to the video room at HMP Durham where he was being held.

It is understood the 55-year-old, from Stanley, claimed to be suffering from angina, but the judge decided to go ahead with the sentencing on Friday afternoon.

The court was told Finnigan would sometimes ply the youngsters with alcohol before subjecting them to depraved sexual abuse over a period of several years.

Judge Prince said: “Alcohol would be purchased and made available.

“You would buy alcopops, sweet spirit-based drinks which can be easily consumed and are tempting to young people.”

After a seven day trial in April, the jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts on 12 of the 13 charges he faced.

The allegations were brought by two women who were both under 16, at the time the offences were said to have taken place.

The judge said: “This was a prolonged period of offending and the defendants were vulnerable.

“There was a considerable degree of planning, the defendant used alcohol and drugs and there was an abuse of trust.”

Finnigan, of Lenin Street, had denied all 13 counts, two each of rape and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, plus nine of either indecent or sexual assault.

Judge Prince said: “At trial you accused the complainants of fabricating lies against you.

“They did not lie.

“You did, and the jury found that to be the case.”

As well as the 21 year prison sentence, Finnigan will be the subject of a lifetime sexual harm prevention order and have to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.

The judge said: “It has been extremely traumatic for the victims and there are continuing and ongoing effects, understandably. The effect has been profound.”